HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-19-21 - Minutesi of "Igniting a Community of Creative and Critical Thinkers"
MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING - LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
JANUARY 19, 2021
The Library Advisory Board held a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m., January 19, 2021 Via Zoom Tele Conference,
11111 Brookshire Ave., Downey, California.
Present: Beverly Mathis, Vice -Chair; Kimberly Hayes; Irma Saavedra
Staff and Guests Present: Benjamin Dickow, Library Director; Dan Martin, Library Administrator; Eva Landeros,
Library Assistant; Virginia Yoshiyama, FODCL President;
Welcome to Members and Guests:
Member Mathis called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. Roll was called and a quorum was verified.
Written Communications:
1. The minutes of December 15, 2020 were considered. Vice -Chair Hayes motioned for approval and Member
Saavedra seconded the motion. By unanimous consent, the minutes were approved.
Non -Agenda Public Comment/Oral Communications: None.
Reports:
2. Library Incidents Report: None.
3. Library Director's Report:
Mr. Dickow informed that as of January 12, 2021, Member Mimi Yusem was no longer part of the Library Advisory
Board. He announced, Ana de Silva, as District 3 representative. Mr. Dickow shared that Member Yusem enjoyed
working with everyone and will continue to have a presence at Downey City Library. He mentioned the possibility
of having one or two new board members in February.
Mr. Dickow reported that the library received keys for the building; however, the keys do not work. He is working
with Public Works to re -key the building. Mr. Dickow informed that the final construction punch list items continue
to be worked on and remains as part of the construction zone. For that reason, he stated that part-time employees
have not started working in the library. Mr. Dickow informed that full-time employees have been in the library
opening boxes and putting items on shelves. He shared that a portion of the library is full of books including media
items and that work continues.
Mr. Dickow announced that he took two new council members to the library. He did two virtual tours, one with
Member Yusem and the other with Member Saavedra. Mr. Dickow shared that he gave Susan Bouris an in -person
tour of the library and offered Member Hayes a virtual or an in person tour.
Mr. Dickow mentioned that in May, the library will be presenting two panel discussions for the 2021 California
Library Association Conference on reimagining the library. He informed that the library has been thoughtful about
how to innovate the library and the information is usable for the rest of the field.
ElLibrary Advisory Board — Minutes for January 19, 2021
[i of "Igniting a Community of Creative and Critical Thinkers"
Lastly, Mr. Dickow shared that the Programmobile is an Early Childhood Program that is being worked on to launch
in the spring.
4. Friends of the Downey City Library (FODCL) Report:
President Yoshiyama commenced with requesting for Ms. Landeros to share new board members' information with
her on a hardcopy. She reminded and encouraged everyone to renew their Friends Membership for 2021. President
Yoshiyama acknowledged Claudia Dailey and her staff for working hard in maintaining the Adult Literacy Program.
She shared that the Friends cut a check for the library's last year's expenses for approximately $17,000. President
Yoshiyama stated that the Friends do not have an income, but will continue to support all the activities for children
and families.
Board Business:
5. Library Construction Project — Design Update Review:
Mr. Dickow reported that the construction is close to being completed. He stated that the remaining is mainly
aesthetic.
Mr. Dickow informed that the policies are done and are being reviewed by the city attorney. He explained the
process of the policies being reviewed by the city attorney, returned to library for any changes that are suggested,
and then sent to the library board members. Mr. Dickow shared the possibility of a vote occurring for the policies in
March and then going to City Council. He mentioned a possible curbside pickup service during March as well.
Board Member Comments:
Member Saavedra shared that she sent out Friends Membership forms with Christmas cards and submitted
membership information to the Perpetual Help newsletter editor. She hopes to get a good response. President
Yoshiyama thanked Member Saavedra for sending reminders on the Friends Membership forms.
Mr. Dickow announced the floating idea of library fine amnesty when the library reopens to have everyone start
from brand new. He stated that the idea would need to go through council in March.
Adiournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
The meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m. on February 16, 2021 Via Zoom Tele Conference, 11111 Brookshire Ave.,
Downey, CA.
Beverly Mathis
Vice -Chair
Benjamin Dickow
Library Director
ElLibrary Advisory Board — Minutes for January 19, 2021